The Pangasinan Heatwaves turned hot in the second half and routed the Marikina Shoemasters, 103-79, on Monday to sustain their rise in Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Powered by homegrown Kriss Gurtiza, the Heatwaves pulled away in the third quarter, 70-51, and never looked back en route to their fourth straight win and a 9-4 record in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.
The 6-foot-2 Gurtiza, former star of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, posted 29 points, including three triples, 7 rebounds and 2 assists to clinch best player honors over Jorey Napoles with 14 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.
Other Heatwaves who delivered were Harvey Pagsanjan with 10 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists, and Ralph Robin with 11 points.
The Shoemasters were still fighting, 41-33, after the first half, until Gurtiza poured 8 points and Hesed Gabo 5 points in the third quarter.
Marikina drew 19 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists from Nem Dela Cruz, 13 points and 7 rebounds from Karl Penano, 11 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals from homegrown Jomel Lantayan, and 10 points plus 3 rebounds from Jethro Escoto.
The MPBL goes to the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City on Tuesday with games pitting Bulacan against Bacolod at 4 p.m., Pasay against Valenzuela at 6 p.m., and Rizal against host Pampanga at 8 p.m.
Leave a Reply